Rick Santorum Tells Voters ‘Don’t Settle’ Like in 2008

Mark Wilson/Getty Images(EAU CLAIRE, Wis.) — Rick Santorum warned Republican voters not to “settle” on a nominee like they did four years ago and pointed to the Democrats prolonged battle in 2008 as a party fighting for their principles — something Republicans should aspire to do in this primary.

“I ask each and everyone of you. You’re all being asked to settle for something less. We need to get this over, some are suggesting. Well we got it over four years ago. We were the first to get it over because they said, ‘oh let’s just end this, and oh and let’s settle on a nominee,’” Santorum told a crowd of about 100 gathered at the Eau Claire Republican Victory Center.

“The Democrats didn’t. They continue to fight. They fought into the summer. They didn’t see this as something that unfortunately too many establishment Republicans see. They don’t see fighting for principle as something that damages the party. They see fighting for principle and hopefully you do, as something that sharpens steel on steel and that makes us stronger in the general election,” Santorum continued to applause from the crowd. “So I’m asking you on Tuesday not to do what you criticize folks who go to Washington for doing. And that is don’t settle. Don’t compromise. Don’t sell out to win. You know in your heart that the conservative principles you believe in is best for the country. Vote that way.”

In 2008, Santorum endorsed Mitt Romney, who he is now fighting against for the Republican nomination, over Sen. John McCain, that year’s Republican nominee.

Santorum, who was accompanied by his wife Karen, daughter Sarah Maria, and son John, dropped by the victory center to make phone calls on behalf of Gov. Scott Walker, who faces a recall vote this June. Santorum reached only one voter by phone, who agreed to support Walker. Asked if she recognized that it was him calling her, Santorum told reporters she seemed “non-plussed” by it.